Failed polls could beget ‘indefinite’ Arroyo rule – ex-Ombudsman

Former Ombudsman Simeon Marcelo, who served under the Arroyo administration, on Tuesday said outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, if elected to the House of Representatives, has a big chance of becoming prime minister and indefinitely staying in power in case national elections fail.

In a press conference, Marcelo said Mrs. Arroyo’s allies at the House of Representatives could install her as Speaker, turn themselves into a constituent body, and vote for a shift into a parliamentary system where she can become prime minister.

“Of course there is a danger [that] they can convene themselves as a constituent body… and propose [a] constitutional amendment [shifting] from [a] presidential [form of government] to parliament. A plebiscite is needed for that, but I don’t think that will happen. People are very vigilant these days,” he said.